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Class 8: Disappointed by Paul Laurence Dunbar (Poem)

Disappointed

Paul Laurence Dunbar

The poem “Disappointed” tells the story of an old man who works hard to take care of his

orchard. He plants, digs, and tends to his trees with joy from morning to evening, feeling

proud of the fruits they bear. He believes that the orchard will provide for him in his old age

and ease his fears about the future. Everything seems to be going well, with the sun shining

and the rain helping the trees grow strong.

However, just when the old man feels secure, dark storm clouds gather in the sky. Strong

winds rise, and the calm waters nearby turn rough. The storm rages through the orchard,

destroying everything he had worked so hard for. The once beautiful orchard is left bare and

ruined.

Heartbroken, the old man stands in the pouring rain, looking at the devastation the storm has

caused. He feels deep despair and cries out in pain, overwhelmed by the loss of his trees and

his hopes for the future. The orchard, which he had nurtured with love and care, is now gone.

But just as he is overcome with sorrow, a voice tells him to rise and plant again. Despite his

disappointment and loss, the message encourages him not to give up. The poem ends on a

hopeful note, suggesting that even when everything seems lost, there is always the chance to

start over and rebuild.

The central theme of the poem is resilience. Although the old man experiences

disappointment and loss, he is reminded that he can still rise and try again. This message

teaches readers that setbacks are a part of life, but they don’t mean the end. Even in the face

of disaster, there is always hope for renewal if one is willing to continue and persevere.

The poem also highlights the unpredictability of life. The old man’s careful planning and

hard work could not stop the storm, showing that despite our best efforts, some things are

beyond our control. Yet, the ability to keep moving forward in the face of adversity is a

powerful reminder of human strength and endurance. 


Poem Analysis

Setting: A rural orchard near a bay, transitioning from peaceful growth to a storm-ravaged landscapes

Central Idea: Life’s labors can be undone unexpectedly, yet hope urges renewal.

Themes: Perseverance, loss, resilience, nature’s power, human endurance.

Message: Even after devastating loss, one must find the strength to begin again.

Title Justification: The title Disappointed reflects the old man's sorrow when his hopes are destroyed, highlighting emotional depth before the poem turns to hope.

Poetic Devices

1. Imagery

  • Vivid descriptions appeal to the senses:
    “Toiling in joy from dew to dew”, “white foam lathered”, “Viewing the place the storm had swept”.

  • Creates strong visual and emotional impressions of nature, labor, and loss.

2. Personification

  • Nature is given human-like qualities:
    “The sun was kind, and the rain befriended”, “the spirits that raged in the darkened air”.

  • Adds emotional tone and dramatizes the natural elements.

3. Alliteration

  • Repetition of initial consonant sounds:
    “Fine grew his orchard and fair to view”, “soul despairing”, “storm had swept”.

  • Enhances rhythm and musical quality.

4. Rhyme Scheme

  • The poem follows a regular AABBCC rhyme scheme.

  • This structure provides balance and reinforces the contrast between harmony and chaos.

5. Symbolism

  • Orchard: Symbolizes the old man's hard work, dreams, and future hopes.

  • Storm: Represents unexpected hardship or loss.

  • Voice in the rain: Symbol of inner strength or divine inspiration.

6. Metaphor

  • Implicit comparisons, such as life’s journey being like cultivating an orchard.

  • The destruction of the orchard reflects emotional and spiritual devastation.

7. Contrast

  • The peaceful, fruitful orchard vs. the violent, destructive storm.

  • Highlights the shock and emotional weight of the man’s loss.












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